In a blunt statement on Tuesday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa admitted that Portugal was to blame for atrocities committed during the era of transatlantic slavery and the colonial period. For more than four centuries, the country played a significant role in the slave trade, with almost 6 million Africans being trafficked, marking one of the darkest chapters in European history.
During an event with foreign correspondents, Rebelo de Sousa not only acknowledged the extent of past mistakes, but also suggested the need for reparation measures. He stressed that Portugal must face up to the consequences of its actions, including colonial massacres, which have left a painful legacy to this day.
The Portuguese president emphasized the importance of taking full responsibility for past events, going beyond simple apologies. He stressed that “recognizing the past is only the first step, and that it is essential to take concrete measures to correct historical injustices.”
“We have to pay the costs. Are there actions that have not been punished and those responsible have not been arrested? Are there assets that have been looted and not returned? Let’s see how we can make amends.”
This confrontational stance towards the colonial past contrasts with the previous narrative, in which the colonial era was often portrayed as a source of national pride. Rebelo de Sousa recognized the need to revise this perspective, indicating a move towards a more critical and inclusive view of Portuguese history.
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